July 6, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Please join me in celebrating the dedication and hard work of Connie Nickel as she retires from the University.

Connie Nickel has dedicated over 36 years to the University of Miami. She first began her tenure here as an athletic intern, planning and implementing the additions of two new sports teams, helping with athletic recruitment, budgeting, and planning Hurricane Club fundraising events. Promoted to Director of Events, she was responsible for event management for 17 sports. She was the tournament manager for eight NCAA baseball regionals, NCAA East Regional Men’s Basketball Championship in 1994, NCAA second round Women’s Basketball Championship in 1992 and first round Championship in 1993. She was the Tournament Director for Men’s and Women’s Big East Tennis Championships from 1993 to 1998.

Following her passion, she worked her way up to Associate Athletic Director/Internal Operations and Senior Women’s Administrator for the Athletic Department. Serving as a member of senior management, Connie guided the planning and implementation of Title IX proportionality plan. She was also responsible for creating and monitoring 19 University budgets, was an advisor for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and a liaison between the University and the Dolphins stadium for football game management. Connie was inducted into Iron Arrow in 2003 and inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in April 2010. 

In 2012 Connie transitioned to the Department of Wellness and Recreation as the Assistant Director of Wellness and Recreation. She supervised 48 club sports, which included budgeting, discipline, risk management, and supervising the Federation of Club Sports Council. She planned an organized late-night programming and assisted with summer camp. 

Connie has been the Director of Facilities for Wellness and Recreation for the past seven years. She has spearheaded the facility maintenance and cleanliness, renovations, and improvements. She created and executed a five-year facility capital plan, that includes over $6 million worth of restorations and enhancements. Connie is also responsible for the oversight of over 100 students and five full-time staff members.

Connie has given invaluable time, dedication, and talent to the University. We are so grateful for all she has done and will miss her tremendously. We wish her the very best during retirement.

Sincerely,